August 24th, 2008 by Rachel | Country: Italy | 9 Comments »
I’m on the train, and I decided that I had to open up my computer to let the words out of my mind. I will first admit that when I leave places where I truly had a wonderful time, I shedded some tears. When I left Anais’ and the Maublancs’, I cried. When I left Hagit’s, I cried. When I left the Appels’, especially Yonaton’s, I cried. When my family left a few weeks ago, I cried. The minute I saw Jodi waving a good-bye, the train departed and tears started to fall. It’s hard to say good-bye to people who clicked so well and to leave places where I treasure so many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Dear Jodi, Luca, Jordan, and Princess Sofia,
I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to live with you for ten days and learn to live the life as an American-Italian. One year ago, when I was in Italy with my university, I never thought that I would be back in Italy so soon, but thanks to you, I had the opportunity to come back, and even see more of Italy including Pisa and the heart of the Tuscany. Going to the beach, playing volleyball even though I sucked big time, playing water games with Sofia, and splashing the water was definitely full of blasts. Having the opportunity to meet the man who is so compassionated about hearing screening, Ferdi, was a big honor for me. Seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa was a hit. Helping Jordan fix his processor for a few days delighted me. Visiting the markets to explore all the goods sold in Italy was fun. Tasting the freshest and richest yogurt, tiramisu, tomatoes, mozzarella, and all those wonderful food will certainly be unforgettable. It was also a pleasure to meet your friends at your BBQ party. Driving through the Tuscany region to Montelclino, Pienza, and Siena was a big highlight of the trip.
I’d like to take the moment to thank you for all the wonderful fun and memories that I will treasure. It was such a pleasure to get know you, Jodi, as a fun woman who wears pigtails and who has a wonderful sense of humor and is so passionate about being involved with deafness. Luca, I enjoyed getting to know you as “the perfect man” who is so loving , caring, and intelligent. Jordan, it was so wonderful to meet another cochlear implant user and to see that you’re thriving in the general society like me and that you’re such a sweet and affectionate person. Sofia, I had such a wonderful time photographing you, playing games with you, and getting to know you as the drama queen.
You know what’s so incredible? If it weren’t for my deafness and Jordan’s deafness, we would not have known each other. Having a disability is always a gift. My mother always tell me that my and my sister’s deafness offered her so much good opportunities in her life in spite of having to take a different path to raising her kids differently. It gave her wonderful friends, volunteer projects, jobs, and a passion. Before entering college, she did not have a direction. She did not know which career path to take. Even when she finished school, she still did not find the right direction. However, when my deafness was diagnosed, I think that gave her the right direction and a passion. She’s very passionate about helping people in the deaf community and anything related to non-profit organizations.
Jodi, I think Jordan’s deafness has given you the same thing – a direction, a passion, and an identity. You wrote a humor and adventurous book, Rally Caps, that has character who is deaf and hears with a cochlear implant. You’re very involved with projects for Newborn Hearing Screening and traveling throughout Italy and even have plans to travel to another country, Bulgaria.
Before I close up my letter, I’d like to mention one last thing. When I say good-bye to places that I love and to people who I love, I always listen to the song called, “I’ve Got To See You Again,” by Norah Jones. It’s a very emotional song, but listening to this song is very healing for me when I have to go through a period like this. So, I’d like to leave you, the Del Dottores, with something along with this song.
9 Comments
Monye Weiner
August 26, 2008 at 10:51 am
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Luca
August 26, 2008 at 11:16 am
Dear Rachel,
it has been our pleasure to have you with us for these 10 days.. even yesterday, Sofia thought she saw you walking down a Marina di Grosseto Street..
Sofia:”Look Babbo, There’s Rachel walking down there!”
Luca:”Sofia, it’s not possible, because Rachel left!”
Sofia:”I’m sad, babbo, I wanted to keep her with me for a little bit more…”
Of course you’ll be welcome back with us whenever you’ll feel the need to visit Tuscany..
I’m glad I had the chance to meet you, such a beatifull and talented woman.. of course all of us has loved U, you’re now part of the Del Dottore’s family and just looking at the video you made of us… it is amazing..
Thank you Rachel, Thank you…
Luca and the Del Dottore family
ps. I’m sure Jodi will send you a comment.. she is coming here to my work because they still hasn’t fixed our computer’s line…
Tonight I’m dating her!
Luca
August 26, 2008 at 12:59 pm
My mom just left a VIDEO comment, this from a woman who took six years to learn how to use a webcam. Miraculous.
I miss you.
Hope your journey went well by train, I see you were busy *smile*
Thank you so much for that video and song, beautiful.
I hate long, emotional, tear-jerker goodbyes…that’s why I waited to wave at the end…did you really think I would leave without seeing your train depart???
Live for you…Jodi
Rachel
August 28, 2008 at 10:15 am
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Rachel
August 28, 2008 at 10:18 am
Hey Luca and Jodi!
Still missing you all! Keep in touch! Give Sofia and Jordan lots of hugs and kisses from me.
Rachel xoxo
P.S. Hope you got your internet working again!
Rachel
August 28, 2008 at 10:38 am
Luca & Jodi,
What was the name of that pretty beach where they have yummy yogurt? I need to write a blog about that!
jodi
August 30, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Oh, you are so precious! I MISS YOU!!! Now, I’m stuck with my dad who is killing me.
The name of the beach is Castiglione della Pescaia and I could really go for a yogurt right now.
Your new host family looks beautiful, have an amazing time! And if they piss you off, you know where to come…
Luv ya,
Jodi
Luca says Ciao!
Rachel
August 30, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Thanks for the name, Jodi! I’m gonna write a blog about it as soon as I can, including about that disgustingly delicious yogurt!
Don’t worry, you are on my list of rescuers in Europe if I ever need it! So far, things are going well!
Rachel
August 30, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Ciao, Luca!